VOLTCRAFT AC Mini VC-520 Operating Instructions Manual

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Diese Bedienungsanleitung gehört zu diesem Produkt. Sie enthält wichtige Hinwei-

se zur Inbetriebnahme und Handhabung. Achten Sie hierauf, auch wenn Sie dieses Pro-

dukt an Dritte weitergeben.

Heben Sie deshalb diese Bedienungsanleitung zum Nachlesen auf!



These Operating Instructions accompany this product. They contain important infor-

mation on setting up and using your Voltage Detector. You should refer to these instructi-

ons, even if you are buying this product for someone else.

Please retain these Operating Instructions for future use!

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Le présent mode d'emploi fait partie intégrante du produit. Il comporte des directives

importantes pour la mise en service et la manipulation de l'appareil. Tenir compte de ces

remarques, même en cas de transfert du produit à un tiers.

Conserver ce mode d'emploi afin de pouvoir le consulter à tout moment.

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Deze gebruiksaanwijzing hoort bij dit product. Zij bevat belangrijke informatie over

de inbedrijfstelling en het gebruik. Let hierop, ook wanneer u dit product aan derden over-

handigt.

Bewaar daarom deze gebruiksaanwijzing om in voorkomende gevallen te kunnen raad-

plegen.

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Introduction

Dear customer,

Thank you for making the excellent decision to purchase this Voltcraft® product.

You have acquired a quality product from a brand family which has distinguished

itself in the fields of measuring, charging and network technology thanks to its par-

ticular expertise and its permanent innovation.

With Voltcraft®, you will be able to handle difficult tasks, either as an ambitious hob-

byist or as a professional user. Voltcraft® offers you reliable technology at an extra-

ordinarily favourable cost-performance ratio.

Therefore, we are absolutely sure: Your starting to use Voltcraft will also be the

beginning of a long, successful relationship.

We hope you will enjoy using your new Voltcraft® product!

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Table of contents

Introduction ..........................................................................................................27

Intended Use.........................................................................................................29

Operating elements..............................................................................................30

Safety instructions...............................................................................................30

Product Description.............................................................................................33

Contents................................................................................................................34

Display indications and symbols........................................................................35

Measuring .............................................................................................................36

a) Current measurement „A“ .............................................................................37

b) Voltage-“V“/“Frequency-“Hz“/ Duty Cylcle „%“ measurement......................38

c) Resistance measurement .............................................................................39

d) Diode test......................................................................................................40

e) Continuity check............................................................................................40

f) Capacity measurement .................................................................................41

g) Temperature measurement...........................................................................42

REL Function........................................................................................................42

HOLD function......................................................................................................43

NCV Fucntion (contactless voltage recognition) ..............................................43

Auto power OFF function ....................................................................................43

Maintenance and cleaning...................................................................................44

General information ...........................................................................................44

Cleaning.............................................................................................................44

Inserting/changing the batteries.........................................................................45

Disposal of used batteries! ................................................................................46

Disposal ................................................................................................................46

Troubleshooting...................................................................................................47

Technical Data......................................................................................................47

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Intended use

- Measuring and displaying electric parameters in the range of excess voltage cat-

egory III (up to max. 600V against ground potential, pursuant to EN 61010-1) and

all lower categories.

- Measuring direct current up to max. 600 V (CAT III)

- Measuring alternating current up to max. 600 V (CAT III)

- Measuring alternating current up to max. 400 A

- Measuring direct current up to max. 400 A (only VC-521)

- Frequency measurement up to 10 kHz

- Capacity measuring up to 100 µF

- Measuring resistance values of up to 40 MOhm.

- Continuity check (< 100 Ohm acoustic)

- Diode test

The device may only be operated with the specified batteries.

The measuring instrument must not be operated when it is open, i.e. with an open

battery compartment or when the battery compartment cover is missing. Measuring

in damp rooms or under unfavourable ambient conditions is not admissible.

For safety reasons, when measuring only use measuring cables or accessories

which are adjusted to the specifications of the meter.

Unfavourable ambient conditions are:

- Wet conditions or high air humidity

- Dust and flammable gases, vapours or solvent,

- Thunderstorms or similar conditions such as strong electrostatic fields etc.

Any use other than that described above will damage the product and may involve

other risks, such as short-circuit, fire, electric shock, etc. Do not change or modify

any part of the product!

Read the operating instructions carefully and retain them for later reference.

Observe the safety instructions!

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Operating elements

1 Clamp meter sensor

2 LED Display for contactless voltage mea-

surement (NCV)

3 Opening lever for clamp meter sensor

4 Hold key

5 Rotary switch

6 Hz % - key

7 MODE key

8 REL key

9 LC Display

10 COM measuring socket (reference potential)

11 VΩ capacity measuring socket (with com-

mensurability „+“)

12 Battery compartment (on reverse side)

Safety instructions

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Please read the entire operating instructions before using the

product for the first time; they contain important information on

the correct operation.

The guarantee is rendered invalid when damage occurs as a

result of non-compliance with the operating instructions! We do

not assume any liability for any damage arising as a conse-

quence!

We do not assume any liability for material and personal damage

caused by improper use or non-compliance with the safety

instructions! Under these circumstances, any warranty expires.

This device left the factory in a safe and perfect condition.

We kindly request that you as a user observe the safety instructions and warnings

contained in this operating manual to preserve this condition and to ensure safe

operation!

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Please observe the following symbols:



A triangle containing an exclamation mark indicates important informa-

tion in these operating instructions which is to be observed without fail.

A lightning bolt symbol in square on the device warns of and allows

access to non-isolated conductive elements (dangerous active con-

ductive elements).

☞

The „hand“ symbol is used to indicate where specific hints and infor-

mation on handling should be given.

This device conforms to CE standards and complies to the required

European guidelines.

Battery

Class 2 insulation (double or reinforced insulation)

CAT III Overvoltage category III for measuring in building installation (e.g.

outlets or sub-distribution). This category also covers all smaller cat-

egories (e.g. CAT II for measuring electronic devices).

Earth potential

The unauthorised conversion and/or modification of the unit is inadmissible because

of safety and approval reasons (CE).

Consult an expert when in doubt about the operation, the safety or the connection of

the device.

Measuring instruments and accessories are not toys and have no place in the

hands of children.

+

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In commercial institutions, the accident prevention regulations of the Employer’s Lia-

bility Insurance Association for Electrical Systems and Operating Materials are to be

observed.

In schools, training centres, computer and self-help workshops, handling of measur-

ing instruments must be supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.

The voltage between the measuring instrument connection points and earth must

never exceed 600 V DC/AC in CAT III.

The test prods have to be removed from the measured object every time the mea-

suring range is changed.

Be especially careful when dealing with voltages higher than 25V AC or 35 V DC.

Even at such voltages you can receive a life-threatening electric shock when you

come into contact with electric wires.

Check the measuring device and its measuring lines for damage before each mea-

surement. Never carry out any measurements if the protecting insulation is defec-

tive (torn, ripped off etc.)

To avoid an electric shock, make sure not to touch the connections/measuring

points to be measured neither directly nor indirectly during measurement. During

measuring, do not grip beyond the touchable grip range markings present on the

test prods and the clamp meter sensor.

Do not use the meter immediately prior to, during or just after an electrical storm

(electrical shock risk! / high-energy overvoltages!). Please make sure that your

hands, your shoes, your clothing, the floor, switches and switching components are

dry.

Avoid an operation near:

- strong magnetic or electromagnetic fields

- transmitter aerials or HF generators,

Since this could affect the measurement.

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If you have a reason to believe that the device can no longer be operated safely,

disconnect it immediately and secure it against being operated unintentionally. It

can be assumed that safe operation is no longer possible if:

- the device is visibly damaged,

- the device no longer works

- the unit was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long period of time or

- if it has been subjected to considerable stress in transit.

Do not switch the measuring instrument on immediately after it has been taken from

a cold to a warm environment. Condensation that forms might destroy your device.

Leave the device switched off and wait until it has reached room temperature.

Only undertake current measurements when there are no measuring leads connected

to the device.

Use extreme caution when measuring electrical rails and non-isolated conductors - there

is a risk of electrical shock. Wear protective clothing (e.g. gloves etc.) in accordance with

safety requirements to avoid injury as a result of electrical shock, arcing etc.

Do not leave the packaging material lying around carelessly since such materials

can become dangerous toys in the hands of children.

Do not work alone if possible, to allow help to be available if required.

You should also heed the safety instructions in each chapter of these instructions.

Product Description

The measured values are displayed on the clamp meter by the digital display. The

measuring value display of the clamp meter comprises 4000 counts (count = small-

est display value).

The clamp meter can be used for hobby or professional applications.

The clamp meter allows you to measure currents up to 400A without needing to

interrupt the conductor to be measured.

33

Along with the current measurement feature, the device also has all the features of

a multimeter such as voltage, resistance, capacity and temperature measurement.

The VC-520 is suited to alternating current measurements up to 400 A.

The VC-521 is suited to direct and alternating current measurements up to 400 A.

Rotary switch (5)

The individual measuring functions are selected using a rotary switch for which

„auto range“, the automatic range selection, is active. The appropriate range of

measurement is set for each application individually.

With the „MODE“ (7) button you switch to a sub-function if the measuring function is

double assigned (e.g. switching resistance measuring - diode test and continuity

test or AC/DC switching in the current range).

If the meter is set to „OFF“ it is switched off. Always turn the device off when it is not

in use.

Prior to working with the measuring device, you have to insert the enclosed bat-

teries.

Insert the batteries as described in the chapter „Cleaning and Maintenance“. The

device is powered with two 1.5 V AAA batteries. These are supplied with the device.

Contents

Electrical clamp meter

Two micro-batteries

Safety measuring cable

Lead temperature sensor with temperature adapter

storing bag

Operating Instructions

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Display indications and symbols

REL Stands for relative value measurement (= reference measurement)

auto stands for „automatic measuring range selection“

HOLD Displayed when hold function is active

Battery replacement symbol; please replace the batteries immedi-

ately to avoid measuring errors!

Symbol for the diode test

Symbol for the acoustic continuity tester

AC Alternating magnitude for voltage and current

DC Identical magnitude for current

OL „Overload“ displayed when measuring range exceeded

mV millivolt (exp.-3)

V Volt (unit of electric potential)

A ampere (unit of electric current)

Hz Hertz (unit of frequency)

kHz Kilohertz (exp.3)

Ω Ohm (unit of electric resistance)

kΩ kiloohm (exp.3)

MΩ megaohm (exp.6)

nF Nanofarad (unit of electric capacity, exp.-9, symbol )

µF Microfarad (exp.-6)

°C Degrees Celsius

°F Degrees Fahrenheit

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Measuring function



Do not exceed the maximum permitted input values. Do not con-

tact circuits or parts of circuits if there could be voltages higher

than 25 V ACrms or 35 V DC present within them. Mortal danger!

Before measuring, check the connected measuring leads for

damage such as, for example, cuts, cracks or squashing. Defec-

tive measuring cables must no longer be used. Mortal danger!

During measuring, do not grip beyond the touchable grip range

markings present on the test prods and the clamp meter.

Ꮨ

You may only connect the measuring leads to the measuring

device when they are required for measuring operation. For

safety reasons, remove all measuring leads from the meter

when measuring currents.

Use extreme caution when measuring electrical rails and non-iso-

lated conductors - there is a risk of electrical shock. Wear protec-

tive clothing (e.g. gloves etc.) in accordance with safety require-

ments to avoid injury as a result of electrical shock, arcing etc.

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a) Current measuring „A“

Proceed as follows to measure „AC“ (A~) currents:

- Turn the meter on at the

rotary switch and select one

of the two measuring ranges

in „A~“ (40 or 400).

- Open the clamp meter sen-

sor with the lever (3) and

encirle the cable which is to

be measured and reclose the

clamp meter sensor. The

measured value is indicated

on the display

☞

Only ever clamp one cable. If you clamp several cables, the currents

will cancel one another out and you will not get a measurement.

The permanent magnetism of the current sensor may lead to a small

current being shown in the display even when no cable is clamped.

To set the display to „0“, press the REL button before measuring (8).

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measured object and turn

the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

Proceed as follows to measure direct currents DC (A ) (VC-521 only):

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select one of the two measuring

ranges in „A “ (40 or 400).

- Open the clamp meter sensor with the lever (3) and encirle the cable which is to

be measured and reclose the clamp meter sensor. The measured value is indi-

cated on the display

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☞

Only ever clamp one cable. If you clamp several cables, the currents

will cancel one another out and you will not get a measurement.

The permanent magnetism of the current sensor may lead to a small

current being shown in the display even when no cable is clamped. To

set the display to „0“ (DC-ZERO), press the REL button before mea-

suring (8).

b) Voltage-“V“/Frequency-“Hz“/ Duty Cycle „%“

measurement

Proceed as follows to measure voltages:

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select measuring range „V/Hz“.

- Plug the red measuring lead into the V measuring socket (11) and the black mea-

suring lead into the COM measuring socket (10).

- With the Mode key (7) select whether you would like to measure direct (DC) - or

alternating current -(AC). The selected units will be shown in the display.

- Now connect the two measuring prods to the object to be measured (generator,

switching etc.).

- The measuring value is shown in the display. The AutoRange selection automat-

ically assigns the correct measuring range.

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measuring object and

turn the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

☞

If a minus „-“ appears for the direct voltage in front of the measuring

value, the measured voltage is negative (or the measuring tips have

been mixed up).

Proceed as follows to measure frequencies or the duty cycle:

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select measuring range „V/Hz“.

- Use the Hz% key (6) to select whether you wish to measure the frequencies „Hz“

or the Duty Cycle „%“ - the selected unit appears in the display.

- Connect the measuring leads to the measuring instrument in the same way as for

current measurement.

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- Now connect the two measuring prods to the object to be measured (generator,

switching etc.).

- The measuring value is indicated on the display

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measuring object and

turn the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

c) Resistance measurement



Make sure that all the circuit parts, switches and components

and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the

voltage at all times.

Proceed as follows to measure resistances:

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select measuring range „Ω“.

- Plug the red measuring lead into the Ω-measuring socket (11) and the black

measuring lead into the COM measuring socket (10).

- Check the measuring leads for continuity by connecting both measuring prods to

one another. After that the resistance value must be approximately 0.5 Ohm

(inherent resistance of the measuring leads).

- Press the button „REL“ (8) to not let the inherent resistance of the measuring leads

to affect the following resistance measuring. The display shows 0 Ohm

- Now connect the measuring prods to the object to be measured. As long as the

object to be measured is not high-resistive or interrupted, the measured value

will be indicated on the display. Wait until the display has stabilised. With resis-

tances of >1 MΩ , this may take a few seconds.

- As soon as „OL“ (overload) appears on the display, you have exceeded the

measuring range or the measuring circuit has been broken.

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measuring object and

turn the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

☞

If you carry out a resistance measurement, make sure that the mea-

suring points which you contact with the test prods are free from dirt,

oil, solderable lacquer or the like. An incorrect measurement may

result under such circumstances.

39

d) Diode test



Make sure that all the circuit parts, switches and components

and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the

voltage at all times.

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select measuring range Ω/.

- Insert the measuring leads to the measuring instrument in the same way as for

resistance measurement.

- Select the diode test function with the MODE key (7).

- The display indicates the diode symbol.

- Now connect the two measuring prods with the object to be measured (diode).

- The display shows the continuity voltage in volt (V). If „OL“ is indicated, the diode

is measured in reverse direction or the diode is faulty (interruption). Perform a

counter-pole measuring for control reasons.

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measuring object and

turn the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

e) Continuity check



Make sure that all the circuit parts, switches and components

and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the

voltage and discharged.

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select the measuring range.

- Insert the measuring leads to the measuring instrument in the same way as for

resistance measurement.

- To activate the acoustic continuity test function, press the „MODE“ key (7) twice.

- The display indicates the symbol „Continuity test“.

- A measuring value of less than 100 Ohm is identified as continuity; in this case a

beep sounds.

- As soon as „OL“ (overload) appears on the display, you have exceeded the

measuring range or the measuring circuit has been broken.

40

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measuring object and

turn the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

f) Capacity measurement



Make sure that all the circuit parts, switches and components

and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the

voltage and discharged.

With electrolyte capacitors, observe the polarity.

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select the measuring range CAP.

- Insert the measuring leads to the measuring instrument in the same way as for

resistance measurement.

- To activate the capacity measurement function in the VC521, press the „MODE“

key (7) three times.

- The display shows the unit „nF“.

☞

Due to the sensitive measuring input, the display may show a value

in case of „open“ measuring leads. The display is set to „0“ by

pressing the „REL“ key,

- Now connect the two test prods (red = positive pole/black = negative pole) with

the object to be measured (condenser). After a short while the display shows the

capacity. Wait until the display has stabilised. With capacities of >40 µF, this

may take a few seconds.

- As soon as „OL“ (overload) appears on the display, you have exceeded the mea-

suring range.

- After measuring, remove the measuring leads from the measuring object and

turn the meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

41

42

g) Temperature measurement

- Insert the temperature measurement adapter supplied into the meter’s two mea-

suring sockets. Ensure you insert them in the correct polarity. The adapter

marked with a „+“ must be connected to the red V connector (11).

- Insert the lead temperature sensor into the measuring adapter. Ensure you insert

them in the correct polarity. The temperature sensor contact adapter marked with

a „+“ must be inserted in connector marked with a „+“ or the measurement

adapter.

☞

Any commercially available K-type temperature sensor with a mini-

socket can be used.

The lead temperature sensor supplied is suitable for temperature

measurements for -40 to + 250 °C.

- Turn the meter on at the rotary switch and select the measuring range TEMP

(VC-521).

- With the Mode key (7) on the VC-521, select the units „°C“ (degrees Celsius) or

„°F“ (degrees Fahrenheit).

- On the VC-520 you can directly select the units „°C“ (degrees Celsius) or „°F“

(degrees Fahrenheit) with the rotary switch.

- The temperature will be displayed on the meter - it can take up to 30 seconds

until the value stabilizes.

- After measuring, remove the measuring adapter from the meter and turn the

meter off. Turn the rotary switch to „OFF“.

REL Function

The REL function allows a reference value measurement to avoid possible line loss-

es which may caused e.g. during resistance measurements or to adjust for residual

magnetism in the current sensor. For this purpose, the current indicated value is set

to zero. A new reference value is set.

Press the „REL“ button (8) to activate this measuring function. „REL“ appears on the

display.

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To switch of this function, simply press the REL button again, REL is no longer

shown in the display.

HOLD function

- The HOLD function allows you to „freeze“ the current measurement value in the dis-

play.

- Pressing the HOLD key (4) interrupts measurement and the last measurement is

shown in the display. When the HOLD function is active, the display shows „HOLD“

- Press the HOLD key again to deactivate the HOLD function.

NCV Function (non-contact voltage detection)

The NCV function (Non-Contact-Voltage detection) allows voltage in lines to be

detected without contact occurring. The NCV sensor is situated at the tip of the cur-

rent sensor.

Bring the NCV sensor close to a line or cable. The red diode is lit when voltage is

present (2). This function is only active when the meter is switched on.

☞

The highly sensitive NCV sensor may cause the diode to glow when

static electricity is present. This is normal and not a malfunction.

Always test the NCV function on a known voltage source in order to

avoid incorrect detection. Incorrect detection creates the risk of elec-

tric shock!

Auto power OFF function

The meter turns off automatically after 30 minutes if no button or switch is operated.

This function saves battery power and extends the service life.

To restart the meter after an automatic shutdown, touch the rotary switch.

44

Maintenance and Cleaning

General

To ensure the accuracy of the multimeter over an extended period of time, it should

be calibrated once a year.

Apart from occasional cleaning and fuse replacements, the multimeter requires no

servicing.

Information on changing the battery and fuse appears below.



Regularly check the technical safety of the instrument and mea-

suring lines, e.g. check for damage to the housing or squeezing

etc.

Cleaning

Always observe the following safety instructions before cleaning the device:



Live components may be exposed if covers are opened or parts

are removed (unless this can be done without tools).

The connected lines must be disconnected from the measuring

device and all measuring objects prior to cleaning or repairing

the device. Switch off the meter.

Do not use any carbon-containing cleaning agents or petrol, alcohol or the like to

clean the product. These could corrode the surface of the measuring instrument.

The fumes are furthermore a health hazard and are explosive. Moreover, you

should not use sharp-edged tools, screwdrivers or metal brushes or similar for

cleaning.

To clean the device or the display and the measuring leads, use a clean, lint-free,

antistatic slightly damp cloth.

45

Inserting/changing the batteries

The device is powered with two 1.5 V AAA batteries. You

needto insert a new, charged battery prior to initial operation or

when the battery change symbol appears on the display.

To insert/replace the battery, proceed as follows:

- Separate the connected measuring leads from the measur-

ing circuit and the measuring device. Switch off the meter.

- Loosen the two screws on the reverse side of the battery

cover and lift off the battery cover.

- Insert two new batteries in the battery compartment observ-

ing the correct polarity.

- Now, close the cover carefully again.



Never operate the measurement device

when it is open. !RISK OF FATAL INJURY!

Do not leave flat batteries in the device. Even batteries protect-

ed against leaking can corrode and thus release chemicals

which may be detrimental to your health or destroy the battery

compartment.

Do not leave batteries lying around carelessly. They might be

swallowed by children or pets. If swallowed, consult a doctor

immediately.

Remove the batteries if the device is not used for longer periods

of time to prevent leaking.

Leaking or damaged batteries may cause alkali burns if they

come in contact with the skin. Therefore, use suitable protective

gloves.

Make sure that the batteries are not short-circuited. Do not

throw batteries into fire!

Batteries may not be recharged. Danger of explosion.

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